Italy with Matt and Catharine // HYCH: Heat You Can Handle Food

Rome - Tuscany

2023: Sep 19 - Sep 25


Our Italian fantasies come to life with legendary cuisine, magnificent architecture and timeless art pieces; wine tastings in vineyards; afternoon espressos and sidewalk cafes. What the Italians call 'la dolce vita,' or ‘the sweet life,' is yours for the taking. Join Matt and Catharine as we take you on an unforgettable adventure in the rolling hills of Tuscany. We will taste wine, tour Florence, experience the freshest olive oil, and make authentic Italian pasta. We will also relax so bring a book and be ready to experience food and wine with former Le Cordon Bleu Portland Executive Chef Matt Kuerbis. Benvenuto in Italia!

  • 7 days

  • 8 - 24 spots

  • Double occupancy in 3 and 4-star hotels (single rooms available)

  • 6 breakfasts and 3 dinners included

  • TrovaTrip will provide 3 transfers from Rome-Fiumicino International Airport (FCO) , between 8 AM and 5 PM

  • TrovaTrip will provide 2 transfers to Rome-Fiumicino International Airport (FCO) on the last day

Activities Included

  • Transfer Rome to Tuscany
  • Brunello Vineyard and Wine Tasting
  • Pasta Making Course
  • Morning Workshop
  • Florence Walking Tour
  • Transfer Tuscany to Rome

Other Inclusions

  • Double occupancy in 3 and 4-star hotels
  • Local Guide throughout trip
  • All city transfers
  • Arrival airport transfer (until 5 pm on first day)
  • Departure airport transfer (morning of last day)
  • 6 Breakfasts and 3 Dinners

Exclusions

  • International flights
  • Food and alcohol (except as noted)
  • Visas and travel insurance
  • Airport transfers outside of designated times
  • Tips for Guides

Your Host

Matt & Catharine

Matt's the friendliest chef around! Since 1992, he's done it all from line cook to sous chef to executive chef of Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts. Catharine excels in small business management but her passion is social media and making sure our guests enjoy above & beyond retreat experiences. Matt & Catharine live in Salem, Oregon.

Itinerary

Day 1

Tuesday, Sep 19, 2023

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Day 1

Benvenuto and welcome to ‘la dolce vita’ or ‘the sweet life’ of Italy! Rome awaits you and upon arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to the Eternal City where your adventure will begin.

transfer

APPROX. 1 HOUR

Airport Transfer

Airport Transfer

meal

dinner

Welcome dinner at a local restaurant is included.

accommodation

Grand Hotel Palatino

Overnight in Rome.

Day 2

Wednesday, Sep 20, 2023

info

Day 2

This morning, you will transfer to Tuscany, a land of stunning landscapes, legendary cuisine, timeless art, and magnificent architecture. The perfect location for your Italian retreat.

meal

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

activity

APPROX. 3 HOURS

Transfer Rome to Tuscany

Enjoy the beautiful scenery as you head north from Rome to Tuscany.

activity

APPROX. 2 HOURS

Brunello Vineyard and Wine Tasting

Visit one of the legendary Montalcino di Brunello estates, enjoy a tasting and meet the dedicated producers responsible for the famous Italian red.

meal

dinner

Dinner at a local restaurant is included.

accommodation

Grand Hotel Tamerici & Principe Montecatini

Overnight in Tuscany.

Day 3

Thursday, Sep 21, 2023

info

Day 3

Enjoy your first morning in the beautiful region of Tuscany. Today will be action-packed as you workshop and explore with your fellow travelers.

meal

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

activity

APPROX. 3 HOURS

Pasta Making Course

Each region of Italy has its own unique pasta form and flavor and tonight a local chef will lead a workshop on how to prepare a few types by hand.

meal

dinner

An included dinner from your creations of the pasta making course.

accommodation

Grand Hotel Tamerici & Principe Montecatini

Overnight in Tuscany.

Day 4

Friday, Sep 22, 2023

info

Day 4

Continue to explore and enjoy the sights of this charming city.

meal

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

activity

APPROX. 3 HOURS

Morning Workshop

Enjoy a morning workshop with your Host.

activity

APPROX. 3 HOURS

Florence Walking Tour

Your Guide will take you on a walking tour through the cobbled streets of Tuscany. Discover the hidden alleyways, local gems and bustling marketplaces of this historic city and walk in the footsteps of Leonardo da Vinci, Machiavelli and Michelangelo.

accommodation

Grand Hotel Tamerici & Principe Montecatini

Overnight in Tuscany.

Day 5

Saturday, Sep 23, 2023

info

Day 5

After your daily workshop, the afternoon is yours to do some shopping and sightseeing on your own, or just kick back and relax in the Tuscan sun.

meal

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

informalGathering

Olive Oil Tasting at Podere Cavozzoli

Enjoy a short morning drive to the historic olive groves at Podere Cavozzoli. With more than 1000 olive trees dating back 200 years we will taste some of Italy's finest olive oil!

informalGathering

La Funicolare Di Montecatini Terme

Ride to the top of Tuscany for a picture perfect view! "Getting on the red trains, Gigio & Gigia, is the most romantic, nostalgic, romantic and above all pleasant way to admire the entire Montecatini valley and reach the village of Montecatini Alto."

accommodation

Grand Hotel Tamerici & Principe Montecatini

Overnight in Tuscany.

Day 6

Sunday, Sep 24, 2023

info

Day 6

This morning is the final workshop of the trip before heading back to Rome with your fellow Travelers.

meal

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

activity

APPROX. 3 HOURS

Morning Workshop

Enjoy a morning workshop with your Host.

activity

APPROX. 3 HOURS

Transfer Tuscany to Rome

Say ciao to Tuscany as you return to Rome for an afternoon of shopping or sightseeing before joining the group for a farewell dinner.

meal

dinner

Farewell dinner at a local restaurant is included.

accommodation

Grand Hotel Palatino

Overnight in Rome.

Day 7

Monday, Sep 25, 2023

info

Day 7

All good things must come to an end but only until our next adventure! After breakfast, you will transfer to the airport and wave goodbye to Italy and your travel buddies.

meal

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

transfer

APPROX. 1 HOUR

Airport Transfer

Airport Transfer

Cancellation Policy

25% down payment Additional payments
Spot pending Refundable Refundable
Spot confirmed Non-refundable* Refundable
60 days pre-trip Non-refundable Non-refundable

*If you cancel when your spot is confirmed and outside of 60 days until departure, you can receive a trip credit for your down payment minus the $100 cancellation fee.

For our full cancellation policy, see our Terms & Conditions.

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